APRIL 2016  |  PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY

  

Our Perspective
Spotlight: Workforce Development
 
Developing the workforce pipeline remains top of mind in the business community.  While high percentages of students are graduating college jobless, there is a shortage of skilled workers who can fill the high-wage positions needed by today's high-tech manufacturing companies.    
Knowing that companies are faced with "make them or take them" options for employee recruitment, there are efforts happening in Augusta County and around the Valley to help increase the pipeline of workers in high-demand, high-wage fields.  Businesses and parents alike can benefit from using the resources below:
[Yellow = of interest to business leaders; Green = of interest to parents, teachers, and students] 

Valley Career Hub - The award-winning Valley Career Hub encompasses multiple initiatives to broaden awareness of high-demand, high-growth, and high-wage careers.
In-Demand Jobs Campaign - Commercials highlighting modern, technologically-advanced careers that do not necessarily require a four-year degree, but do require further education after high-school
Dream It. Do It. - Tools matching skills, interests and desired lifestyles with available jobs
Shenandoah Valley Education and Training Database - Searchable database of available education and training programs for employees
Valley Career and Technical Center/Valley to Virginia Apprenticeship Initiative - Grow your own employee by taking advantage of apprenticeship programs specifically developed to fill high-level manufacturing positions such as Industrial Manufacturing Technician, Machinist, CNC Machine Operator, Welder, and Maintenance Mechanic.  Take note and advantage (!):  there is an active grant called Valley to Virginia that will cover half the cost up to $2650/employee of Registered Apprentice related training.
Blue Ridge Community College Continuing Education - Registration fees are reduced through June 2016 for individuals enrolling in selected BRCC Continuing Education programs leading to industry-recognized certifications.  Save about 20% off each registration fee - register here.
These Shenandoah Valley programs are working alongside multiple initiatives that seek to provide workers with jobs and companies with employees. 
Have other ideas? We'd love to hear from you.
Amanda
Amanda Glover
Director of Economic Development
540.245.5619
aglover@co.augusta.va.us
www.augustaVAbusiness.com

Farmers' Market is Live!
Fresh, local food every Wednesday

North Augusta Farmers' Market
Wednesdays 12-5pm
Augusta County Government Center Dock

The North Augusta Farmers' Market is now open every Wednesday from 12-5pm. Held on the Augusta County Government Center dock, the market will be open every Wednesday now through October. We have wonderful local producers with wonderful local products. Check out this article from a series focused on local producers, and plan to go grocery shopping at the market.
 
How can the Augusta County website, www.co.augusta.va.us, best serve you as an Augusta County citizen or business? Let the County know here. This website is designed to be a helpful tool for taxpayers, so let the County know what you need on the site. Responses needed by Tuesday, April 26th.

Augusta County Economic Development & Tourism
 540.245.5619
www.AugustaVABusiness.com
 
We're here. Ready to help. Call. Email. Visit!


Augusta County | 18 Government Center Lane | Verona | VA | 24482